‘Hordes flock’ to sign toilet petition

21-01-2016 Picture Roberto Cavieres. Gavin Templeton handing over petition at council HQ, Southbank Marina, with over 1,400 signatures for toilets in Milngavie

Published:15:28Thursday 11 February 2016

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A petition with 1,500 signatures from people who want proper public toilets in Milngavie precinct has been submitted to the council.

Milngavie man Gavin Templeton was so disgusted by what he sees as “an affront to local people and visitors” that he decided to start a petition.

And he says he’s been “overwhelmed” by the positive response from people.

He said: “Hordes flocked to sign. First was Milngavie In Bloom, then the people from the Fraser Centre.

“Then the general public, including former toilet attendants, disabled people in wheelchairs, mums with babies, and many visitors from other EU states who were asking for these facilities before embarking on the West Highland Way. They had empty water bottles that they wanted to wash and fill.”

East Dunbartonshire Council put the former toilet block in Mugdock Road up for sale, aiming to save cash.

The owner of nearby Bullands Cafe has bought it and opened a new business.

Mr Templeton added: “I believe the council has made a grave error by not having adequate public toilets with disabled and baby changing facilities in the village.

“A place with a unique demography (a high elderly population) and the base camp for the West Highland Way, which will have around 80,000 visitors this summer, with no toilet facility.

“It has been a disaster for Milngavie and a downgrading for all its residents and visitors.”

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration, said: “We have looked at a number of solutions against the backdrop of unprecedented financial pressure. We are still actively marketing the former Milngavie Information Centre premises, with the requirement to retain a public toilet facility.

“Public toilets are available in Milngavie Town Hall and Milngavie Library during opening hours - only a short distance from the original facilities.”